Modern Foreign Languages

French is introduced in Infants, from Reception onwards, and forms part of the area of learning known as ‘Understanding of the World’. The children become used to the idea of a multicultural and multilingual world through the use of songs, movement, finger rhymes and craft activities.

In Years 1 and 2, French is taught during two 30-minute lessons each week, with the aim of developing an ear for the language. The children begin to understand and reproduce vocabulary and expressions in an authentic accent, and have fun in the process.

In Years 3–5, pupils continue to study French. They learn to read and write in French, and continue to expand their oral skills. While teachers maintain the fun of the subject, girls begin to establish a soundly structured framework of elementary grammar and practise transferable language learning skills.

In Year 6, the girls learn German. This reinforces the importance of the skills they have been practising, while allowing them the opportunity to begin learning another language.

Outside the classroom, there are special events in each year group to promote enthusiasm for languages and intercultural understanding.